Typographical composing machine



Jan. 20, 1959 L. RssETTo ETAL TYPOGRAPHICAL COMPOSING 'MACHINE 3 Sheets-Sheet l Filed June 24, l1955 /NVENTORS L. ROSSE 770 g VM con/M00 -w -mm1 we@ S07@ ATTO@ 5 Jan. 20, 1959 L. RossETTo ET AL 2,869,717

TYPOGRAPHICAL coMPosING MACHINE Filed June 24, 1955 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 ccV FJEL 2 L. ROSSETTO ET AL TYPOGRAPHICAL COMPOSNG MACHINE Jan. 20, 1959 Filed Junev 24, 1953 S *M5 Rmw Y OTA E T ER N NSR R E50 o vaonc m .M. T A

` K BY www UnitedStates ,Patent 2,869,717 TYIGRAPHICAL MPOSING MACE-HNE Application `lune 24, 1953, Serial No. 363,755 Claims. (Cl. 199-18) Corrado, Mergenthaler Linoa corporation of New York This invention relates to automatic control units for typographical composing machines.

In conventional Linotype machines, such as, for example, machines of the general organization represented in U. S. Letters Patent, No. 436,532 to O. Mergenthaler, vcharacter bearing matrices and justifying spacebands are selectively released from storage magazines by the operation of. a keyboard and then composed in line in an assembler. When an entire line has been composed, the assembler is raised andthe line transferred therefrom to a casting mechanism, where'molten metal is introduced into a mold and up against the composed line to' form a type bar or slug. The matrices and spacebands are then transferred to a distributing mechanism whereby they are returned to their respective storage magazines for further use.

It is becoming the trend to operate these machines auto matically. Various expedients (electrical, mechanical and pneumatic) have been heretofore proposed, and one automatic unit, a tape control unit known and soldunder the trademark Teletypesetter, has met with wide acceptance. Generally speaking, these automatic unitsI are made so as to be easily applied to the keyboard of the regular Linotype machine, and their function is primarily to operate the keyboard to compose a line of matrices and spacebands and to raise the assembler to transfer the line after composition, all of the other usualsteps in the machine cycle being entirely automatic and following in sequence the raising of the assembler.

The keyboard of the conventional machine is connected to the matrix and spaceband releasing escapements by` means of a series of mechanical elements, and previous `automatic control units have been specially designed for application to the keyboardin order to make it possible to apply the units to machines in the field, as well as to make it possible to operate the machines manually when desired. Today, however, many of the machines are destined to be employed in the field of automatic operation exclusively, so that the control units need no longer be mere keyboard attachments.

It is an object of the present invention to make possible the elimination of the keyboard and the long mechanical connections between the keyboard and the magazines by providing a greatly simplified and automatically operated machine in which the matrix and spaceband releasing mechanism is operated directly by electrical solenoids selectively controlled in their operation by a perforated control tape. The present invention also provides automatic means for raising the assembler and for performing many other machine operations.

In the present control system, the matter to be composed is prepared in code signal form and then transmitted to a reader or decoder which controls the various automatic operations. The code may be received in any suitable form, such as transmitted electrical input signals or from a magnetic tape, but for present purposes it may be assumed that the code signals are in theusual` Teletypesetter perforated tape form.

The perforated tape is advanced to the reader in a step by step fashion and the code signals contained therein are transmitted to a bank of code relays which, in turn, select the proper output or work circuits for operation. The six unit code, in the present arrangement, makes possible the selection of any of sixty-four different output circuits, and the output circuits are each further subdivided into two circuits, each sensitive to a different polarity, so that by reversing the polarity of the power supply, a total of one hundred twenty-eight different operations are possible. Code signals are reserved for shifting and unshifting the polarity of the power supply.

Provision is made in the control system for recognizing successive identical code signals in order that the second operation will be delayed to allow time for a full response of the actuated mechanism to the first code signal. The delay prevents the advance of the control tape tor one or more complete cycles of a timing generator.

Time control is one of the features of the present invention. All of the various operations of the machine and the operating unit are controlled in the pro-per sequence by a constantly rotating timing generator which may be driven by or independently of the machine driving mechanism. During each revolution of the timing generator, a series of electrical pulses is sent out to the controlunit to initiate the various operations thereof.

Oneof the more important functions of the timing generator is to control the duration of the work pulses, for example, those pulses which serve to energize the solenoids which actuate the matrix and spaceband releasing escapements. lt is essential that these solenolds be operated for a long enough time to insure the release and discharge of the matrices and spacebands from their magazines by gravity. f

The above and other features of the present invention will be described in detail in the specification which follows.

Referring to the drawings:

Figs. l and 2 illustrate a circuit diagram of the improved control system, Fig. 2 being a continuation of Fig. l; p

Fig. 3 is a top plan view showing the control tape and the sensing elements for reading the tape;

Fig. 4 is a vertical section taken through the discharge end of a matrix magazine and the escapement mechanism thereof; and

Fig. 5 is a time sequence chart illustrating the normal order of certain operations, but it is not necessarily intended to truly represent the actual time durations of the operations illustrated.

Referring to Fig. 4, the character bearing matrices x are stored in individual channels of a magazine M, and the matrices are adapted to be released therefrom by the operation of an escapement mechanism, generally designated by the reference character m. Upon release from the magazine, the matrices fall by gravity through an assembling mechanism M1, and ultimately they are delivered to and composed in line in the order of their release in an assembler elevator E (see Fig. 2). When a full line has been thus composed, the elevator is raised and the line transferred therefrom for transportation to a casting mechanism (not shown). The matrix releasing escapements are adapted to be operated directly by indi;

vidual electrical solenoids M0, which solenoids are selectively operated by the new control system.

According to the present invention, all of the various assai/1'? series of time-measured control pulses, to be described in detail below. The control pulses are produced by periodically Completing a plurality of circuits from a primary voltage source B for a predetermined time duration measured by a fraction of a cycle of the timing generator.

Referring to Figs. l and 2, and especially to Fig. l, the perforated tape l containing the code is advanced in a step by step manner by a solenoid operated sprocket wheel A1. The points of the sprocket wheel engage holes la in the tape for feeding (see Fig. 3). Mounted on tie Vsaine shaft with the sprocket wheel is a ratchet wheel A2 which is adapted to be rotated by a reciprocatory ratchet arm A3. The reciprocation of the arm A3 is, in turn, controlled by a solenoid A4.

The tape, in its step by step movement, passes over a group of six sensing'fingers A5 which read the code perforations 2 (see Fig. 3) in the tape. rihe sensing fingers are capable of upward and downward vertical iriovement, but are normally held in their downward inoperative position by the pivotal arm A of a rotary type solenoid A7. The tape is iirst advanced to position the code signal above the sensing fingers, and then the rotary solenoid is actuated by a pulse transmitted from the timing generator D through the lead 5. The operation of the rotary solenoid rocks the arm A6 in a counterclockwise direction to release the sensing fingers, and those fingers which register with perforations in the tape are permitted to rise, whereas the others are prevented from rising by the tape.

The'code signal thus read is transmitted to a relay bank comprising six relays C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6. Each of the relays .is associated with and adapted to be operated by the. risingr of one of the sensing fingers. There are two contact switches A8 and A9 associated with and adapted to be closed by each of the sensing iingers. Each sensing linger which detects a perforation in the tape completes a circuit from a voltage source B1 to energize one of the relays. The relays thus energized are locked in operation. There is a contact C7 associated with each of the relays'7 and the contact is adapted to be closed by the energization of the relay, thereby completing a locking circuit from the voltage B2 through the operated relay to ground. The locking circuits maintain the selected relays operative even after the return descent of the sensing fingers A permits the switches A8 to open.

The closing of any one of the switches A9 by the rising of one of the sensing fingers completes a circuit from voltage B3 to the tape advancing solenoid A4. When the solenoid is thus operated, the ratchet arm A3 is cocked or moved to the right, as viewed in Fig. l, preparatory to the deenergization of the solenoid which actually advances the tape.

The rotary solenoid A'7 is provided with another operating arm A1U disposed at an oblique angle in relation to the releasing arm A6. The function of the arm A1o is to momentarily open the normally closed switch A11 and to thereby break the locking circuits for the relays C1 to C6. It should be noted, however, that the opening of the switch A11 is merely to erase the preceding code signal from the relays, but it does not erase the new code signal, since the switches A8 which serve to impress the new code signal on the relays are maintained i closed by the sensing fingers until the switch A11 is closed.

P[he sequence of operation is illustrated in Fig. 5 and is as follows: The operation of the rotary solenoid A7 is relativelyy slow to permit the sensing fingers A5 to close the appropriate switches AS before the arm A10 of the solenoid has opened the switch A11. For the instant between the closing of the switches AS and the opening of the switch A11,'relays corresponding to two code signals on the tape are imposed on the relays, viz., the instant signal in the process of being read or decoded and the preceding signal. As soon, however, as the switch A11 is opened, the locking circuits are broken and the old signal is wiped out. The new signal is not lost because the switches A8 remain closed until after the return movement of the arm A1 of the solenoid permits the switch A11 to close, thereby giving the relays corresponding to the new code signal an opportunity to be locked in before the arm A6 restores the fingers A5 to their downward inoperative position. Similarly, the relays corresponding to the instant code signal will remain locked in operation until the switch A11 is again opened during the next operation of the rotary solenoid M rthere are a plurality of contacts adapted to be operated by each of the relays C1 to C6, and the vertical dotted lines in Fig. 1 trace the contacts controlled by each. These contacts are arranged in several groups, each group being delegated to a specific function. The group of con tacts C", as we have already seen, is for locking-iii the particular relays selected for operation. A second group, later to be described, is associated with the recognition of successive identical code signals. A third group is set aside for the purpose of operating a shift circuit, later to be described. And finally, a fourth group, the contacts comprising a transfer tree, selects the particular work function to be performed.

T he fourth group, the transfer tree or selecting system, is divided into an upper transfer tree, generally designated by the reference character Ca, and a lower tree, generally designated Cb. The lower tree is reversed with respect to the upper tree, that is, to say, the coritacts of the upper group increase from left to right, whereas the contacts of the lower tree increase from right to left for the purpose of more evenly distributing the work load on the relays. The particular arrangement of the transfer tree herein employed has not been shown in its entirety in the drawings, but it is illustrated and described on page 52 of The Design of Switching Circuits by Keister, Ritchie, and Washburn, published by D. Van Nostrand Company, Inc., New York.

When a code signal read from the tapel is impressed on the relay bank, all of the contacts associated with each of the energized relays are operated accordingly. The positions of the contacts of the upper and lower transfer trees set up an electrical connection or path to a selected one of a plurality of output terminals 3. A contact 4 controlled by the relay C1 determines whether the electrical path set up will be through the upper or lower transfer tree. The various circuits which perform the actual work operations of the machine are connected to the output terminals 3.

There are thirty-two output terminals 3 in each of the upper and lower transfer trees, making a total in all of sixty-four. The number of work functions, hov.- ever, which are necessary to automatically operate a line casting machine greatly exceeds sixty-four. In the present invention, rather than further complicate the relay bank by adding another relay and expanding the transfer tree, many of the output terminals are further subdivided into two work circuits, each sensitive to a different polarity. Two of the code combinations are set aside to operate shift and unshif circuits which change the polarity of the work pulse transmitted through the transfer tree from the battery B4. Thus, a given code combination will, in every case, set up for operation the same electrical path through the transfer tree, but it may perform either of two different work functions depending on the polarity of B4. For example, a particular code combination may be designated for the lower case d in the unshifted position, and the upper case D in the shifted position, as is the custom in the code systems now in use. Since the automatic oper* ation of line casting machines would not require utilization of all of the available code signals, certain signals, such as the release of matrices bearing common punctuation marks and quadding and centering signals, are insensitive to polarity in order to decrease the frequency of the shift and unshift operations.

asearrr As explained above, the matrices are released from the magazine (Fig. 4) by the operation of escapement devices m actuated by solenoids M0. Standard Linotype magazines are usually of the 72 or 90 channel variety, and there is an escapement mechanism m and a corresponding solenoid Mo for each channel of the magazine. It is afeature of the present invention that the escapement mechanisms are actuated directly by solenoids, thereby eliminating the need for a keyboard and the mechanical linkages connecting the keyboard and the magazine escapements.

The solenoids M are selectively operated through the transfer tree. As illustrated in Fig. 1, two of the solenoids M0 are connected to a single one of the output terminals 3 but through reversed selenium rectiers M3 and M4, theirectifier M3, for example, being conductive to the polarity of the battery B4 only in the unshift condition, and the rectifier M4 being conductive to the polarity of the battery B4 only in the shift condition. Thus, the same code combination is put into the transfer tree for operating either of the matrix releasing solenoids, although only one or the other is operated at any given time and that depending upon the polarity of the hattery B4.

The timing of the operation of the magazine esca ements m is a somewhat critical factor in` that the operation must be slow enough toinsure release of the matrix from the magazine and, at the same time, fast enough to achieve maximum speed. Thus, an electrical pulse must be sent to the magazine escapement solenoid Mo of proper time-measured duration. It may be, pointed out that in standard line casting machines, the timing of the operation of the escapements is controlled by a constantly rotating keyboard roll, and inasmuch as all control units heretofore proposed have taken the form of keyboard attachments to the machine, there has been no need to provide means independent of the keyboard to time the operation of the escapements. In the present control mechanism, special provision is made for operating the escapement operating solenoids M0 for the proper time duration. Accordingly, one of the functions of the timing generator D is to regulate the duration of operation of the solenoids M0. At the proper time (see Fig. 5) in the machine cycle and after the code combination has been set up in the transfer tree, a pulse is transmitted from the generator D over the lead 30 to energize a relay D1 (see Fig. 1). The energization of the relay closes a switch D2 controlled thereby, and a circuit is completed from the battery B4 through the transfer tree to the appropriate matrix `releasing solenoid M0. The pulse to the relay D1 is measured by the generator, and the length of the pulse corresponds to the length of time for which the solenoids Mo are to be operated. Near the end of the generator pulse, the relay D1 is deenergized, and the switch D2 is opened, thereby breaking the power to the operated solenoid M0.

As explained above, the work circuits, e. g. those operating the matrix releasing solenoids M0, are made sensitive `to polarity Vby placing reversed rectiers in their respective circuits, and by such means a particular code combination can operate either of two work circuits merely by reversing the polarity of the battery B4. The arrangement for shifting is such that one of the code combinations completes a circuit to a shift relay G1 through a plurality of switches 6 to l1 in series, there being one switch associated with each of the code relays C1 `to C6. The switches 6 and 9 are normally closed but are adapted to be opened if their corresponding code relays Cl and C4, respectively, are operated. The switches 7, 8, 10 and 11 are normally open but are adapted to be closed by the operation of the corresponding code relays C2, C3, C5 and C6. When all of the switches o to l1. are closed bythe proper code combination, the pulse from the timing generator D which normally energizes the relay D1 operates the shift relay G1.

There are three `contacts t2, 13 and 1d, which are adapted to be controlled by the operation of the shift relay G1. The contact 12 is connected to ground and the contact 13 leads to the transfer tree through the switch D2. Normally, in the upshift condition, the negative terminal of the battery is grounded through the contact 12 and the polarity of the battery B4 with respect to the transfer tree is determined by the positive terminal through the contact 13. When the shift relay G1 is operated, the contacts 12 and 13 are shifted to a different set of terminals, so that the positive terminal of the battery is grounded through the contact l2, and the contact 13,`

which leads to the transfer tree, is connected to the negative side of the battery. The function of the contact 14 is to lock the relay G1 in operation once it. has been operated. The contact 14 is normally open in the unshift condition but, when ciosed by the operation of the relay G1, it completes a locking circuit for the relay from E5 through the normally closed contact lid to ground 17. Once shifted, the polarity of the battery B4 remains fixed with respect to the relay tree until unshifted.

The unshift operation is accomplished by a code combination setting up the transfer tree for the selection of the relay G2. The energization of the relay G2 opens the contact 13.6 in the locking circuit for the relay G1, and the deenergization of the relay G1 causes the other contact 1d of the locking circuit to open and the contacts f2 and 13 to again reverse the polarity of the battery B4. It may be noted that the power to energize the relay G2 for the purpose of reversing the polarity of the battery B4 actually comes from the battery B4, but this is: of no consequence, since 'the function of the relay G2 is complete as soon as it breaks the locking circuit of the relay G1. When thus restored to the unshift condition, the polarity of the battery B4 remains fixed until the shift reiay G1 is operated in the manner above described.

Code combinations are set aside for quadding and centering operations. Left jaw quadding, right jaw quadding and centering code signals operate one of the relays H1, H2 and H3, respectively (Fig. 1). Since operations of this nature are frequently required in both the shift and unshift conditions, they are operable by both polarities of the battery B4. The code combination for quadding with the left-hand jaw energizes relay H1 which closes switches 192 and 193; the operation of the relay H2 closes switch 19@ for right jaw quadding; and the operation of the relay H3 for centering cioses the switch 119i. For an understanding of the manner in which `the above switches to 1,93 control the quadding and centering operations, reference may be had to the copending application of L. Rossetto et al., Serial No. 184,071, filed September 9, 1950. For purposes of easy comparison, identical reference numerals (viz., 190 to 1.93) are used in the cited application and in the present application to designate the same switches.

In certain cases, especially Where the number of spacebands in the composed line is incapable of fully justifying the line, it is customary to insert a thin blank spacer elementnext to each spaceband in the line. When the length of the composed line is increased in this manner, the amount which the line has to be expanded in justification is accordingly decreased, so that full justification can be accomplished. The thin spacer elements are stored in` the matrix magazines and are released by a solenoid in the same `manner as the character bearing matrices. in the present invention, a code signal or combination is set aside for releasing a thin spacer element in addition toa spaceband. A relay J1 is operated through the transfer tree, which relay closes contacts 20 and 2. The contact 2@ completes a circuit from the voitage supply B6 to the thin spacer escapement solenoid (not shown), and the contact 21 closes a circuit to the spaceband release solenoid (not shown).

As a further feature of the present invention, the feed of the tape between successive identical code combinaessere? 7 tions is delayed to insure return of the various operated mechanical parts of the machine to normal position in order to prevent the loss of the second operation. Toward this end, means are provided for stopping the tape for a complete cycle of the timing generator D when the second of two successive identical signals is recognized. As described above, the advance of the tape is effected by the operation of the solenoid A"t from the power source B3. The energization of the solenoid sets r cocks the arm A3, and the release or deenergization of the solenoid eiiects the actual movement of the tape. Thus, by delaying the release of the solenoid A4, or stated another way, by prolonging the energization thereof, it is possible to introduce a delay between successive identical characters. The energization of 'the solenoid A4', in the present instance, is prolonged by cutting in a circuit tothe solenoid from the voltage source B7 (see l) for one complete cycle of the timing generator D.

During each cycle of the timing generator, a pulse is sent through a lead 233 to energize the relay K1 (see Figs. l and 5). The eneraization of this relay closes contacts 2l and M- and shifts the contact 'Z5 from the terminal to the terminal 27. The closing of the contact 22 completes the circuit from B7 to the solenoid A4. The action of this circuit is merely to prevent the advance of the tape only in the event of identical double signals, and normally this circuit to the solenoid A4 will be broken at a time when the solenoid A4 is being energized from through the closed switch A9, so that it has no delaying etect on the advance of the tape.

The closing ol the contact 2d brings a locking circuit into operation for the relay K1 from B8 through a network of identical code detecting switches 28 and 29 and a single normally closed Contact 34 associated with a. relay K3. The identical code detecting switches comprise a group of normally open s vitches 23 in series, one associatcd with each of the relays C1 to CG, and a group of normally closed switches 2l', one in parallel arrangement with each of the normally closedr switches ZS and adapted to be controlled by the same relay. rl7he switches 28 are adapted to be closed by the encrgization of their respective relays, while the switches 29 are adapted to be opened thereby. rl`hus, when two different code signals follow, one or more of the switches 2S and Z9 will be either opened or closed, thereby breaking the locking circuit to the relay K1, but the locking circuit will not be` broken when successive code signals are identical.

When the locking circuit is not broken, indicating successive identical code signals, the relay K1 remains in operative condition, and the solenoid A4 is prevented from advancing the tape during that cycle of the generator. With the relay thus energized, the contact 25 is shifted from the terminal 26 to the terminal 27 and` the work pulse which is normally sent to the relay D1 from the timing generator through the lead Sil is directed to the relay K2, thereby closing the contacts 3l and 32. The Contact 3l completes a locking circuit for the relay K2 from B9 through a normally closed contact 33 associated with the relay K3. The relays l@ and K2 remain energized for the remainder of the timing generator cycle, and during the next cycle of operation of the generator, a pulse is transmitted by the lead and through the closed contact 32 to energize the relay K3. The operation of the relay l@ opens the normally closed switches 3d and 33 and breaks the locking circuits to the relays K1 and K2. The contact 25 is then again shifted to the terminal 2o, so that the generator pulse through the lead 3i) will be directed, as usual, to the relay D1 to permit a work pulse to be sent through the transfer tree from the battery B4 for the desired work operation.

ln the usual course of operation of a line casting machine;` the assembler elevator E (Fig. 2) is raised when a complete line has been composed therein. The precise means employed for raising the elevator is not important to the present invention, but for purposes of illustration f: through the switches E7 and D3.

25 only, the assembler elevator E is depicted as being raised by the counterclockwise rotation of a lever E1. The pivotal movement of the lever E1 is controlled by the armature E2 of a solenoid E3 and a link E4 connecting the lever and the solenoid armature.

A code combination corresponding to the elevator raising signal sets up the transfer tree accordingly for the operation of a relay E5. The operation of the relay E5 closes the normally open contacts 36, 37 and 38 and opens the normally closed contact 39. The closing of the contact 37 completes a circuit from B10 through a normally closed Contact 4@ of a relay E6 to the elevator raising solenoid E3. In practice, a time delay relay would be provided to insure ample time for the released matrices to be assembled, although that feature has not been shown in the drawings for the sake of simplicity. The closing of the contact 36 completes a locking circuit forV the relay E5 from the battery B4, and through the closed switch D3 of the timing generator via the lead Si?. The purpose of the switch D3 will be described below. As soon as the elevator begins to rise, the switch E7 is closed, establishing another locking circuit for the relay E5 for purposes to be explained below. The switch E7 is held open by the elevator in its matrix receiving or lowermost position, and the switch is adapted to be spring closed as soon as the elevator begins to rise.

While the elevator E is raised, the advance of the tape has to be stopped. Accordingly, the closing of the contact 3S by the energization of the relay E5 completes a circuit from B11 to the rotary solenoid A7. lt may be recalled that the advance of the tape is effected by the opening of the switch A9 by the downward movement of the sensing finger A5, and the downward movement of the linger A5 is in turn controlled by the deenergization of the rotary solenoid A7. Thus, the tape is preventedV from advancing while the elevator is raised by maintaining the solenoid A7 energized.

Also, to avoid any misinterpretation of code signals, when the elevator is raised, the double character delay circuit is rendered inoperative by the opening of the contact 39. The pulse directed to the relay K1 from the timing generator D via the lead 23 first passes through the normally closed contacts 43, 44 and 39. Thus, while the elevator is raised, the pulse to the relay K1 usually sent out during each cycle of the generator is not transmitted. The contacts 43 and 44 will be explained below.

When the elevator E reaches its uppermost or line transfer position, where it is mechanically latched, it is adapted to close a normally open switch E8. The switch E3 completes a circuit from the battery B4 to the relay E6, thereby closing a switch 45 and opening the switch dll. The closing of the switch i5 completes a locking` circuit for the relay E6 from B4 through the closed switch E7, whereas the opening of the contact breaks the ST power to the solenoid E3 and permits the elevator E to descend as soon as it is mechanically unlatched in the usual manner by the transfer of the line therefrom. When the elevator begins to descend, it permits the switch E8 to open, although the relays E5 and E6 are still locked in Finally, when the elevator has fully descended to the assembling position, the switch E7 is again opened, breaking one of the two locking circuits to the relays E5 and E6.

The switch D3, establishing the other locking circuit i" for the relays E5 and E6, is adapted to be closed shortly after the beginning of the timing generators cycle and remains closed until just before the very end of the cycle. The purpose of the switch D3 is to maintain the relay E5 energized for the entire time that the elevator'i's raised 'i and until` very nearly the end of thecycle of the gener-r ascent? To prevent the tape from prematurely advancing during that cycle, it is necessary to maintain the relay E5, controlling the contact 38, energized until just before the end of that cycle, and this of course is accomplished by the operation of the switch D3. In this way, if the elevator descends to line receiving position in the middle of a cycle of the timing generator, the automatic operation of the machine will not recommence until the beginning of the next cycle of the generator.

Turning now to another feature of the present invention, many of the matrices employed in casting are provided with two superposed characters in one edge thereof. In composing a line with these matrices, it is necessary to assemble them at either of two levels in orderfto make available one or the other of the two characters.

` Normally, the matrices are adapted to be assembled on a lower fixed rail (not shown) of the elevator, but an upper horizontal rail L (see Fig. 2) is providedv and is selectively movable into or out ofthe path of travel of the matrices as they enter the elevator. Thus, as viewed in Fig. 2, when the rail L is in the rightward position, `an

incoming matrix will be assembled thereon, whereas if the rail is in its inoperative orleftward position, the matrix will be assembled, as usual, on the lower fixed rail. The upper rail, called the auxiliary or duplex rail, is standard equipment on line casting machines.

In the present invention, the movement of the rail is controlled by a pair of solenoids Ll and L2 attached to the front face of the assembler elevator E. The solenoids are arranged so that they operate in opposite directions against a forwardly projecting lug L3 of the rail L, the solenoid Ll' serving to shift the rail to the rightward or operative position and the solenoid L2 serving to return it to the leftward or inoperative position.

Separate code signals are employed for moving the shiftable rail to the operative and the inoperative positions, and the code signals are set up in the transfer tree in the usual way for the selection of the relay L4 or the relay L5. Once the rail is shifted from one position to the other, it will remain in its shifted position until a subsequent code signal effects its return. The relay L4 closes contactsSt), 51 and 52 associated therewith and opens the contact 43, and the relay L5 closes corresponding contacts 53, 54, 55 and opens 44. p

The contacts 50 and 53 each complete locking circuits from the battery E? to their respective relays L4 and L5 through a pair of normally closed switches 56 and 57,

which will be explained in greater detail below.

The closing of the contact 51 completes a circuit from i B12 to the solenoid L2, and the contact 54 closes a like circuit from B12 to the solenoid L1. When either of the contacts 52 or 55 is closed, a circuit is completed from B13 to the rotary solenoid A7 to prevent the advance of the tape, much in the same manner as explained in connection with the closing of the contact 38 associated with the relay E5. i

The contacts 43 and 44 are in series with the contact 38,.so that the opening of any one of them stops the pulse to the relay K1. l

Returning now to the normally closed switches 56 and 57, these switches are intended to insure the operation of the locking circuits of the relays L4 andL5 throughout the entire shifting operation.` The switch 57 is held open by the rail L in its inoperative or leftward position, and the switch 56 is held open by the rail in its operative or rightward position. Assume, for purposes of illustration, that the rail is in its inoperative position, maintaining the switch S7 open, the switch 56 being closed. The energization of the relay L1 shifts the rail to the right, and as soon as it begins to move, the switch 57 is permitted to close. The locking circuit4 is then completed and remains so until the rail has shifted to its operative position, where it opens the switch 56 to break the locking circuit. The condition of the switches is illustrated by the broken lines in Fig. 2, the switch 57 being closed and the switch 10 56 open. Similarly, in traveling from the operative to the retracted positions, the switch-56 isl rst closed to make the locking circuit and it is not broken until the rail has reached the leftward position and has opened the switch 57. In each case, the pulse to t-herelays L4 and L5 is of suiciently long time duration to insure the closing of whichever switch 56 or 57 happens to be open.

The invention has been shown in but a single preferred form and by way of example only, and, of course, many modifications and variations may be made therein and in its mode of application which will still be within the spirit of the invention. It is to be understood, therefore, that the invention is not to be limited to any specific form or embodiment, or inV any other respect, except insofar as such limitations are specified in the claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a typographical composing machine adapted for automatic operation, the combination of means for reading a control tape containing codey signals, means for translating the code signals into machine control operations, a timing generator for sending forth a series of electrical pulses during each cycle thereof to control the timed sequence of machine operations, tape advancing means, means for rendering the tape advancing means inoperative, means controlled by one of the pulses from the timing generator for conditioning said last mentioned means for operation, `means for recognizing successive identical code signals, and means controlled thereby for preventing the advance of the tape for at least one cycle of the timing generator.

2. ln a typographical composing machine adapted for automatic operation, the combination of means for reading a control tape containing code signals, means for translating the code signals into machine control operations, a timing generator for sending forth a series of electrical pulses during each cycle thereof to control the timed sequence of machine operations, tape advancing means, means for rendering the tape advancing means inoperative, means controlled by one of the pulses from the timing generator for conditioning said last mentioned means for operation, a relay controlled transfer tree upon which the code signals are imposed, and means associated with the transfer tree for recognizing successive identical code signals.

3. In a typographical composing machineadapted for automatic operation, the combination of a magazine containing character bearing elements, a plurality of escapements associated with said magazine and adapted to release individual character bearing elements, a corresponding plurality of electrical solenoids for actuating said escapements directly and by their own power, input code signals to electrically condition a selected solenoid for operation, work circuits in which the electrical solenoids are included, and a power driven timing generator for pulsing said circuits and having a definite cycle of operation, said timing generator acting during each cycle of operation to send forth an electrical pulse which energizes` the work circuit for the selected solenoid at a` predetermined time after it has been conditioned by the apy propriate input code signai.

4. A combination as set forth in claim 3, wherein.`

generator also prethe time-duration of operation of the selectedi the electrical pulse from the timing determines solenoid.

5. In a typographical composing machine adapted for automatic operation, the combination of a magazine con-v taining character bearing elements, a plurality of escapements associated with the magazine, each to release one' of the character bearing elements, a corresponding plu-v during Veach cycle of operation to send forth an electrical4 pulse which energiees the Work circuit for a selecte solenoid at a predetermined time and for apredetenined time-duration to insure', the proper actuation ofthe corresponding escapernent.

6. In a typographical composing machine adapted for automatic operation, the combination ofrneans for reading code-signals in a tape, means for advancing the tape from one code signal. to the next, electrically controlled means for preventing the advance of the tape, al timing generator, a pulse from-said timing generator serving to condition said electrically controlledV meansr for operation, means for recognizing successive identical code signais in the tape, and means controlled by said recognizing means for rendering the electrically controlled means koperative to prevent the advance of the tape in the event of successive identical c-ode signals in the tape.

Y 7. A combination as set forth in claim 6', wherein the advance of the tape is prevented for one complete cycle of the timing generator.

8. ln a typographical composing machine adapted `tor automatic operation, the combination of means for reading code signais in a control tape, means for etfecting Aintermittent feeding of the control tape through the reader, electrically controlled means for preventing the feed o the tape, means for impressing the code signals on a relay controlled transfer tree in order to translate the code signals into machine operations, means to retain a particular code signal impressed on the relay controlled transfer tree until a subsequent code signal is impressed thereon, a plurality of switches associated with the transfer tree controlling relays, said switches being associated with said meansv for preventing thc feed of the control tape, the arrangement being such that diterent successive code signals will cause at least one of said switches to open, thereby rendering ineffective said means for'pro venting the feed of the tape, whereas identical successive code signals will produce yno change in the switches and so prevent the advance of the control tape.

9. ln a typographical composing machine adapted for 4l2 automatic operation, the combination of means for reading code signals in a tape, a solenoid for controlling the intermittent movement of the tape through the reader, said solenoid effecting the movement of the tape upon deenergization, means for impressing the codesignals on'a relay controlled transfer' tree in order to translate the code signals into machine operations, means to retain a particular code signal impressed on the relay controlled transfer tree until a subsequent code signal is impressed thereon, a circuit for said solenoid, including a relay controlled switch for preventing the advance of the control tape, a

timing generator adapted to transmit an electrical pulse to said switch controlling relay during each cycle of the generator, a locking circuit to maintain said relayin operative condition, said locking circuit including a plurality ofr` switches associated with the transferV tree controllingrelays, the arrangement being such that diterent successive code signals will cause at least one of saidl switches-to open, thereby breaking the locking circuit for said relay,

whereas identical successive code signals will maintain said relay locked in operation, to prevent the advance of the control tape during the cycle 'of the timing generator. 10. A combination as set forth in claim 9, characterized in that a pulse' from the timing generator during the next cycle thereof breaks the locking circuit for the relay.

References iCited in the iile of thisV patent UNlTED STATES PATENTS 1,970,566 Kleinschmidt Aug. 2l, 1934 1,970,567 Potts Aug. 21, 1934 2,057,652 Potts Oct. 13, 1936 2,215,033 Fisher Sept. 17, 1940- 2,308,539 Potts e Jan. 19, 1943 2,352,027 Smith June 20,A 1944 2,377,205 Buckley ..rMay 29, 1945 2,434,500 Leathers et al. Jan. 13, 1948' 2,477,011 Skinner July 26, 1949 2,704,595 Ackell Mar. 22, 1955V 

